Westinghouse (Springfields Apprentice Training) (NW)

Apprentice training has become vital to the continuing success of industry. All walks of life from transport and medicine to nuclear energy require engineering or manufacturing in some form. We must ensure we have the engineers, maintainers & operators with the right training and qualifications to meet its skill and manufacturing priorities.

Westinghouse Springfields Apprentice Engineering Training commitment to skills development has provided a dedicated training scheme for over 1800 apprenticeships spanning more than 60 years.

We believe we have a vital role to play in supporting the development of our apprentices to ensure they have the skills and capabilities that match industry requirements so they can achieve their full potential.

We continually seek to improve and develop our training methods ensuring a first class start to a career in industry and an occupation which can sustain for life.

“In common with the rest of the UK nuclear industry, Westinghouse faces a significant skills development challenge in order to meet the growing needs of the UKs nuclear energy policy. The Springfield Apprentice Training Centre is an essential element of the Westinghouse skills development strategy, and provides opportunities for apprentices to develop the skills and expertise that will lead to exciting job opportunities as Westinghouse develops its UK business both at Springfields and across the legacy plants, operating stations and new nuclear build”

Simon Marshall - Managing Director, UK Fuel Operations

Advanced Engineering Apprenticeships

Westinghouse Springfields Advanced Apprenticeship is based on national standards, fully monitored and trains apprentices to Level 3 in a variety of engineering trades that maintains and supports mechanical and electrical systems within sophisticated plants. As part of the apprenticeship all learners have to attend college to study for a technical certificate. Apprenticeships are currently being delivered in the following trades;

Electrical Maintenance

Mechanical Maintenance

Instrumentation & Control

Machining

Welding

Fabrication

Our unique training facilities provide a realistic working environment with plant simulation rigs that reflect the type of training more suited to a production and manufacturing environment.

Aimed at young people with good academic qualifications, Preferred, 4 GCSE’s at C or above including Maths, English and Science.

Apprentice’s progress to a further 6 months on advanced electrical, instrumentation or mechanical skills. The apprenticeship then follows work placements under the guidance of occupationally competent employees to support competences in their designated qualification.

Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprenticeships

Westinghouse Springfields have introduced Degree Apprenticeships in Nuclear Engineering. The aim is to supply specialist engineering roles within the growing nuclear “new build” arena with bright, talented and enthusiastic young people. Learners will complete a training programme and academic qualifications leading to an Engineering Degree.

Aimed at young people with at least 4 GCSE A*-C grades including Maths, English Language and a Science plus 3 GCE A-levels (achieved or predicted), including Maths and/or a Science/Technology subject or a BTEC Level 3 qualification in an Engineering/Technology subject with at least Distinction Merit Grade (achieved or predicted).

Duration of apprenticeship is – 5 years

Learners joining us on theDegree Apprenticeshipprogramme will complete Foundation Engineering Skills and work towards qualifications in Engineering in work placements within a variety of our business units.

Degree Apprentices will participate in activities that complement our business targets and objectives working alongside qualified personnel. The apprenticeship is open specifically to candidates who are 18 years and over wishing to pursue an engineering career in the nuclear industry.

Testimonial from one of our customers

“An invaluable service provided by the team at Westinghouse Springfields from initial apprentice selection, key skill training and support throughout the apprentice qualifications. Once the apprentices return to us after being at Springfields we quickly see them contributing to the business and their skill development advances at an accelerated pace“

Phil Bolus - UK Northern Service Director, Energy Solutions Group

Westinghouse Springfields Ex-Apprentice

“Without the basics to build on from a Westinghouse Springfields Apprenticeship I wouldn’t be where I am today”

Lisa Dentith - Area Electrical Engineer for Reconversion Plant

I first became interested in an apprenticeship at Westinghouse Springfield’s because of a career seminar at school. I decided to apply because it is recognised as one of the best in the North West and because of the practical experience available.

The skills I learned from the apprentice training scheme covered all the core skills for my career, from electrical to mechanical, plus basic skills for other areas. This meant I could not only put these skills into practice for my career but also for practical use at home which I would never have dreamt of doing previously.

I enjoyed the whole course especially the hands on work experience. The training equipment is quite true to life, which gives you confidence when you are in an actual work situation, and is definitely a better way to learn.

I also enjoyed working in groups of other apprentices with similar interests. The social activities such as paint balling and go-karting all really helped us work better as a team. The most challenging part was studying part-time at college and completing the apprentice tasks at the same time but it did help me gain time management, and multi-tasking skills.

I would recommend the scheme to other women as it really helped my confidence in the workplace and wouldn’t change it for anything. It definitely lived up to my expectations and more.

In terms of my career I am currently Area Electrical Engineer for the Reconversion and Powder Packing Facilities, the apprenticeship scheme has helped me develop over the past 18 years whilst I have been on the site. Without the basics to build on from a Westinghouse Springfields apprenticeship I wouldn’t be where I am today.